November is more than just the beginning of the holiday season; it’s a special month dedicated to recognizing and honoring the unsung heroes in our lives – family caregivers. National Family Caregiver Month is a time to shine a spotlight on the selfless individuals who dedicate their time, energy, and love to care for their …
Whether you have been directly affected by Alzheimer’s disease or not, no one is immune to developing it. Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that causes progressive brain and memory impairment until a person loses all-important mental functions. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, and available treatments only temporarily slow the progression of the …
Mild to moderate memory loss is a part of the typical aging process, but did you know it could be the sign of something more? We know that memory loss is a hallmark symptom of Alzheimer’s but can also be the result of other health conditions. Early intervention, in either case, can help identify causes …
CARE TIPS: This season is a time filled with family and friends, laughter and reminiscing. Learn ways to prevent dementia’s stress, frustration, and loneliness. Fill the holiday with joy. Caring for a loved one with dementia during the holidays can be challenging, but with a little preparation, everyone can help bring out the full joy …
Julianne Moore won an Oscar last night for her heartbreaking portrayal of a woman with early-onset Alzheimer’s in Still Alice. At Brain Matters, we hope the movie will raise awareness about Alzheimer’s research. In that spirit, here is an editorial by Alzheimer’s researcher Dr. Julie Harris, courtesy of the Huffington Post: “While the …
Alzheimer’s disease affects over 5 million Americans and is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. The National Institute on Aging characterizes the illness as an “irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks of daily living.” Most people …
Making a home dementia-friendly protects the safety of your loved one and gives you a little more peace of mind. Do not wait for a safety problem to arise before acting; plan what changes you will need to make far in advance. In addition to cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s causes problems with spatial …
Being an Alzheimer’s caregiver means taking on a lot of responsibilities. Sometimes you may be so preoccupied with caring for your loved one that you neglect your own health. Here are some tips to stay healthy as a caregiver: Visit the doctor: Visit the doctor at least once a year and report …
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine finds a strong link between high dosage use of anticholinergic drugs and risk of dementia in seniors. Several over-the-counter sleep aids and the antihistamine Benadryl are anticholinergics. Shelly Gray, a professor at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy, and her team tracked about 3,500 …
It is important to look for early indicators of possible dementia so that you can begin treatment faster. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these warning signs, speak to a doctor: You’re feeling depressed: A new study examining about 2,400 seniors found that those who report symptoms of …
For those who are struggling with memory loss, a memory screen is a step in the right direction to keeping their minds healthy. Apply for a FREE memory screen today!
